10 Signs You Are Experiencing a Sense of Entitlement

In the ongoing debate over the strengths and weaknesses of each generation of the workforce, the attitude of being more deserving than everyone else knows no age boundaries.

In all walks of life, there are those who think they are superior to others, and it is apparent in their behavior and work habits.  Here are a few warning signs that you might be driving others away or damaging your professional reputation with a sense of privilege.

1. You play by a double-standard.

There’s one set of expectations for you, and another for everyone else. It’s alright for you to show up late, cut corners, or make a mistake, but you get upset when coworkers do the same.

2. “Compromise” is just a word in the dictionary.

It’s your way or the highway – you bail when things don’t transpire according to your liking. In the real world, success often comes from creating win-win situations everyone can live with rather than one person (you) taking all the toys and going home.

3. You don’t understand the concept of “paying your dues.”

You may have unreasonable expectations for salary or benefits when starting a new job. You believe you deserve the same treatment as someone with much longer tenure. It is fine to negotiate but make sure you are in the ballpark of what others in your industry with comparable experience and skills are earning.

4. You consider yourself exempt from the rules.

You think rules are for people who don’t know what they’re doing – certainly not you. If you have to ignore the employee handbook or bend company policy to get something done the way you think it should be handled, so be it.

5. You feel you deserve the best, even at a colleague’s expense.

If you beat out someone else by not playing fairly, well, that’s their problem. Only it’s actually your problem, because if this is your approach to succeeding in the workplace, you’ll quickly earn a reputation as a backstabber.

6. You have a victim mindset.

This happens because you feel that others don’t give you the credit, respect, or recognition you think you deserve. When you are passed over for a promotion or your performance is critiqued, you view it as others being jealous or out to get you rather than looking objectively at what you are contributing to the situation. It’s never your fault.

7. Tantrums are a way of life.

Your behavior rivals that of a toddler having a meltdown. You don’t care if others see you upset. You don’t hold back from expressing your displeasure in yelling threats, giving the silent treatment, or gossiping and complaining to anyone who will listen.

8. You are always numero uno.

Putting your own desires above all else is a way of life. You don’t mind creating difficulties for others if it means that you get what you want.

9. Your relationships are one-sided.

You tend to align yourself with friends and loved ones willing to do the heavy lifting inthe partnership. Your closest friends initiate contact, extend invitations and listen when you talk, but you seldom return the gestures. You don’t give as much in any relationship, personal or professional, as the other person.

10. You are no stranger to confrontation.

You will verbally duke it out with colleagues, even supervisors or clients, over a perceived slight. It’s time to look inward and give a fair assessment of your performance.

Ask yourself an honest question: Would you like to work with someone like you? If the answer is probably not, do something about it today.

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her Inc. contributions, subscribe to her articles on Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, or follow her on Pinterest and Instagram.